Any time you have a new pet, you are likely to face a variety of unique challenges. These challenges can also arise after many years with a cat. Getting pets before properly preparing is a disaster. Even when you are prepared you might run into some issues. All you can do is research as much as you can and hope for the best.
Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. It is easy for the cat to get his head caught among the cords when playing with them. This is an extreme choking hazard and should be prevented at all costs. Pin back drape cords to avoid this type of issue.
If you plan on getting a cat for a pet, try looking into a local shelter. Shelters around the country are overflowing, and the cats there need more humans to help. Adoption fees often include things like spaying or neutering them, shots or other vet care. Besides, adopting a cat from an animal shelter means you are saving this cat’s life.
Check-ups are an absolute must for any pet cat. Your cat requires a variety of vaccines and shots to prevent illness, and it is also important to identify health problems before they become too severe. Your cat will be more comfortable if you continue using the same vet. This ensures that your vet will have an excellent understanding of your pet’s medical history.
If you own a female cat, you should have her spayed when she is old enough. Even if you own an indoor cat, it might produce many kittens if it escapes during mating season. You can prevent this by spaying or neutering your cat.
Scratching Post
A cat can do a lot of damage to your furniture with its claws. If your beloved feline friend is shredding and damaging parts of your home, try investing in a cat tower or a scratching post. Redirect your cat to the scratching post when they start to go after your furniture. Catnip can be put in the posts or on the tower to help train the cat to use it. It may take some time, but it should eventually work.
Online outlets offer better prices for cat medicine than vets. In an emergency, this won’t be much help, of course. You can save as much as fifty percent on the stuff you regularly use.
While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat. Demonstrate the proper way to pick up a cat and what they can do with the cat. A cat’s bones are not as strong as a dogs, and they should be treated more gently.
Do you own both a dog and a cat? That dog will really love stalking (and eating) that cat food. This makes it a good idea to have a cat feeding place high up enough that your dog can’t get to it. This can also prevent unnecessary arguments between your pets over the water supply, once the food has been consumed.
Make sure you are cautious about leaving a young child alone with a small kitten. A child under five should not be left alone with a pet. They simply lack the maturity to comprehend the harm they can potentially do to kittens. As children grow, it will be easier to see if they’re mature enough to handle a cat.
Feed your cat quality cat food. Beef, fish or chicken, all great protein sources, should head the list of main ingredients. The foods to avoid are those with a large amount of corn and low amounts of protein. Cats need meat, not vegetables.
All the tips of training which you learned here apply to every cat breed, no matter how old or where they reside. You also need to get to know your cat better so you can adapt to its needs and habits. Enjoy your new cat!
